Bhubaneswar is set to launch the state’s first rice ATM within a week, aiming to improve the Public Distribution System (PDS) for ration cardholders, announced Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Thursday.During a review meeting of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare department, Patra detailed that each ration cardholder will receive a card to access rice from these ATMs nationwide. Plans are in place to extend this initiative to all district headquarters.Patra also highlighted efforts to eliminate over 50 lakh ghost ration card beneficiaries from the system, making way for new eligible recipients. An order has been issued to officials to commence this process.Regarding paddy procurement, the minister noted that the state government will purchase paddy at Rs 3,100 per quintal, thanks to a recent increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to Rs 2,300 by the Centre, reducing the state’s additional financial burden to Rs 800 per quintal.Additionally, Patra assured that farmers will no longer encounter ‘Katni Chhatni’ issues during procurement, with payments being transferred to their accounts within 48 hours. He warned of strict actions against millers and dealers upon receiving complaints from farmers.
Bhubaneswar to Introduce State’s First Rice ATM to Enhance PDS Efficiency
